第４０６堀：井戸端会議はすごい (Part1)
### Chapter 406: The Power of the Well-Side Chat
**Side: Yuki**
There is a Japanese term called "Idobata Kaigi"—literally, a "well-side chat."
It originated from the days when housewives would gather at a communal well in the tenement houses known as *nagaya*. While drawing water or doing laundry, they would engage in idle chatter and gossip. In modern terms, it’s the equivalent of neighborhood association meetings, gatherings at the park, or even phone calls and internet chat rooms.
Even in our modern information-driven society, these sources of information are not to be underestimated. It might sound dismissive to call them "idle," but the rumors spread by housewives dedicated to their domestic duties are truly something else. Setting aside stories from the "other side of the television" that have nothing to do with them, the information they have regarding their own immediate surroundings is often shockingly accurate.
Back when I was a regular working adult in Japan, I was often helped out by an elderly woman who lived in the same apartment complex. She would always stop by at the exact times I happened to be home. When I curiously asked her how she knew, she replied, "I can tell when you're home or out by the sounds and the lights, you know."
It was true; I didn't exactly go out of my way to pretend I wasn't home, so anyone watching the lights and listening for footsteps could figure out my schedule. But to have that kind of insight, she had to be paying close attention to my solitary life. When I asked her why, she simply said, "Housewives have plenty of free time after the chores are done, so we end up noticing all sorts of things."
...So, "The Housekeeper Saw It" isn't just a TV trope; it’s a reality.
Come to think of it, even when I was a student, there were times my parents would know exactly where I had been or catch me in some mischief, leaving me to face their wrath. They must have been tipped off by "mom-friends" or neighbors.
The power of the well-side chat is truly terrifying.
"Oh, Yuki-san and everyone. Welcome!"
And so, after visiting the Adventurer's Guild, we headed to Super Ratz Branch No. 3. Fortunately, the manager, Nana, was cleaning in front of the store, so we didn't have to go searching for her. She’s a Fairy, just like Covil, and I’m always surprised she manages to run a shop so well. Perhaps being a Fairy makes it harder for people to get pushy with her. Or maybe it’s just because she’s significantly more personable than Covil—in that sense, it was a wise choice to put her in charge.
Wait, how does Covil even represent the Fairy race? Well, only when Narjia-san isn't around, I suppose.
"Yoo-hoo, Nana-chan."
"I'm relieved to see you're doing well."
"It's good to see you too, Ria-san, Jessica-san. Have Cleena-san and Samantha-san gotten used to life in Weed?"
"...Yeah. Everyone, including Nana, has been very kind to us, so we're fine."
"Thank you for your concern. Thanks to you, we are living quite comfortably. Please, Nana-san, rely on me if you ever have any trouble."
"Yes, I'm glad to hear that."
Since I frequented Nana’s shop even after the New Continent became busy, Cleena and Samantha were already acquainted with her. This was just me tagging along on a supply run. When things are truly hectic, I can just pull materials out of thin air using DP, but as long as that’s not necessary, I try to come here and spend money to keep the economy moving. If I didn't, my funds—which I barely need anyway—would just pile up, which isn't healthy for the local economy.
If I were a regular person, it wouldn't be an issue, but we are the heavyweights of this nation. The salaries we receive from the government are far higher than the average citizen's. Since not just me, but almost all of my wives are high earners, if we don't spend it, it’s genuinely a problem. Well, these small amounts are just pocket change, so I’ve been using my funds to "invest" in things like starting up cafes and bars. I’m also planning to build a toy store for Ratz, so I’m making sure the money circulates properly.
"So, are you here for dinner groceries today?"
"Oh? Come to think of it, why did we come here, Yuki-san?" Ria tilted her head, finally remembering to ask.
"If you wanted to gather information, wouldn't a park be better?"
"Ah, it's hot today, so maybe we came to buy drinks?"
"...Yeah. It's hot, so let's buy ice cream too."
Jessica agreed, Samantha assumed it was for supply procurement, and Cleena decided to grab some ice cream while we were at it.
"Unfortunately, that’s not the main reason. Well, buying ingredients for dinner is fine, and getting drinks for heatstroke prevention is a good idea too."
"...Ice cream."
"Yes, you can buy ice cream. But the reason we came here is to talk to Nana."
"Talk to me?"
"Yeah. It’s related to official business, so if you’re not too busy, could we talk in the back?"
"Oh, yes, that’s fine. It’s still midday and there aren't many customers. Please, come this way."
And so, we ended up having a talk with Nana.
"Um, you mentioned it was related to official business... is it really okay to talk about it here?"
We’d already had tea at Rock’s place and were stuffed, so we declined her offer and got straight to the point.
"It’s not quite that serious yet. It’s still at the rumor stage."
"A rumor, you say?"
"Exactly. A supermarket is a place where housewives and all sorts of people gather, right? Surely you hear a rumor or two, Nana?"
"Yes, I hear quite a lot of those. In fact, there are people who meet at the store and then spend hours chatting in the rest area."
Exactly. My goal was the modern-day equivalent of the well-side chat. I had come to the supermarket, a place where information flows far more actively than in any park.
Hasn't everyone had the experience of tagging along with their mother to the store as a child, only to have her run into an acquaintance and start chatting endlessly, leaving you to kill time inside the supermarket? I’ve had that happen plenty of times. In those cases, the standard procedure was to throw what I wanted into the basket and head home alone. It’s impossible for a child to keep up with a mother’s chatter. Moving around is infinitely better. (The latter part is just my personal opinion. Some kids like reading books at home, after all.)
"So, what kind of rumors do you want to hear?"
"Well, let's see. Since you're the manager here, have you ever been approached by bigwigs from other countries trying to poach you or asking you to divert goods?"
"Yes, that has happened a few times, though it was quite a while ago. Maybe half a year ago? They’d offer to make me a noble or give me special treatment if I’d just divert some of the store's goods to them. Of course, this Super Ratz Branch No. 3 is for the residents of Weed, so I turned them down."
"So they did approach you, too."
"It’s just a rumor, but it seems they’ve been asking around indiscriminately. The manager of the cafe you built said they were approached, too."
"I see. So they really are just asking anyone and everyone. But this residential district is off-limits without a permit."
"The person claimed to be a diplomat from another country, I believe."
"...How blatant. Haven't you reported this to Ratz and the others?"
"Yes, I have. They were given a stern warning, and it’s stopped recently."
"I see."
It seems the government of Weed is still functioning perfectly well even after my wives stepped down from their representative roles. That is truly a relief.